Youth and Family Services YMCA is excited to bring you our 18th Annual Reaching for Stars on Wednesday, May 24, 5:30PM, at the Santa Barbara Woman’s Club, Rockwood. By purchasing a ticket to this memorable event, you will be supporting the life-changing work done each day at the four Youth and Family Services programs described below. Please join us for the epicurean event, filled with heart-warming stories, mouth-watering delicacies and amazing wine.

Vincent Vanhecke, Executive Chef at the Valley Club, is recruiting a truly amazing team ready to astound and delight us as they donate their time and resources to support our youth, families and young adults. Each fabulous course will be paired with wines donated by local wineries, and you won’t want to miss this evening!

Interested in being a sponsor? You can see levels of sponsorship opportunities and benefits.Click here for details!

Youth and Family Services (YFS) was formed in 2001 as an independent social services branch of the Channel Islands YMCA. YFS currently operates four core programs that provide a continuum of care to underserved at risk youth and young adults for homelessness, neglect and abuse in the greater Santa Barbara area. Youth, young adults and families that participate in our programs experience greater safety and well-being while they develop skills and lasting relationships to improve their resilience and build a successful independent future.

Noah’s Anchorage Youth Crisis Shelter has served the community for over 40 years, providing a safe place, meals, showers and a bed for hundreds of homeless, foster youth, runaways and at-risk youth ages 10-17 every year.

St. George Youth Center brings quality after-school programs, enrichment opportunities and recreation to youth and families living in Isla Vista and Goleta. It serves as a safe haven and drop-in center for youth, away from gang activities, alcohol and drugs.

My Home, our supportive housing program for homeless youth ages 18-24 opened its doors in 2011. A partnership with the Santa Barbara Housing Authority has made it possible for us to provide housing as well as life skills, employment, education and counselling services to help youth build a successful path to independence.

Support and Outreach Services (SOS) reach out to youth and young adults living on the streets, offering basic needs assistance, counselling, case management, and assistance with housing, employment and life skills. Often we are able to reunify youth with family.

“Noah’s Anchorage and SOS have helped me so much during and after my stay there. They help out not because it’s their job, but because they genuinely care. Because of the staff and volunteers, they have opened new doors for me with endless opportunities. The resources and services they provide don’t stop after you move out. Everyone at Noah’s and SOS continue to help me out. They made my journey and stay a whole lot better than I ever expected it to be. I’m glad I got the chance not only to know them as counselors and staff, but also as wonderful people with amazing personalities who have faith in what they’re doing.” Rebecca